As technology continues to advance and become more accessible, methods of delivering information are constantly evolving. Nowhere is that more true than in the Harris County Public Library System (HCPL).

Long on the cutting edge of content delivery, HCPL unveiled a new tool on Sept. 1 — the iKnow Digital Access Card. With this card, Harris County residents will, for the first time, be able to apply for and receive a library card completely online and gain immediate access to a wide range of digital content including streaming movies, eBooks, online research tools and even complete digital editions of popular magazines.

There is no fee involved to obtain the card and there is no waiting involved since those who sign up will print their own cards.

According to Harris County Public Library Director Edward Melton, “The iKnow Card provides access to Harris County residents who may not have the convenience of using physical collections or visiting physical buildings. The iKnow card provides Harris County residents with free online access to e-books, audiobooks, music, videos, movies, digital magazines and databases that support literacy and lifelong learning. With the iKnow Card, all services are free. There are not any fines or fees and content will automatically expire from their device. The only thing you need to obtain an iKnow Card is an email address and to be a Harris a County resident.”

The iKnow Card does not replace HCPL’s full service Knowledge Card. Whatever digital content someone’s regular library card is used to access, they will still be able to do so. However, for those children, and adults, who do not always have safe transportation to and from the library, the iKnow Card is a powerful new educational tool and represents HCPL’s commitment to the White House ConnectED Library Challenge that aims to improve education outcomes for all children by ensuring that every child has a library card. And, it can be used 24 hours a day so cardholders will always have access to their library. The parents or guardians of children 13 years and under will receive an email asking them to confirm that their child may receive the iKnow Card.

The iKnow Card offers access to a world of digital content including:

More than 300,000 streaming movies, music albums, and eBooks including a large selection of digital DC Comics on Hoopla

Nearly 60,000 eBooks, eAudiobooks and streaming media on OverDrive

ePicturebooks for kids on Tumblebooks and eAudiobooks for all ages on OneClick Digital

Current issues of popular magazines for computer or tablet with Flipster

Mango online Language Learning

The powerful business and investment research tools: Morningstar, Valueline and Reference USA

HeritageQuest Online genealogy research database

Chilton’s Automotive Repair Manuals

Safari Books Online, the go-to source for programmers and IT professionals

According to Melton, the iKnow Card can be upgraded to a full service HCPL Knowledge Card at any of the county’s 26 branch libraries.

Harris County Commissioners Court has adopted a resolution designating September 2015 Library Card Sign Up and Literacy Month, and Harris County Public Library marked the occasion by unveiling the iKnow Digital Access Card.

For more information, call 713-274-6600 or log on to e.hcpl.net/ to see the full range of HCPL’s digital services.